Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

If you’re looking for a lunch that satisfies your cravings without derailing your goals, this recipe is your answer. This Buffalo chicken pasta salad is packed with protein, has a lighter creamy dressing, and delivers that signature spicy kick in every forkful. I think we’ve all been there. You want something that feels indulgent and comforting, but you also need it to fuel your day without weighing you down. That’s the magic of this particular dish. It’s the perfect bridge between game-day excitement and a sensible, satisfying meal.

This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad has become my go-to for potlucks, easy summer dinners, and meal prep that I actually look forward to. It takes everything we love about classic buffalo wings—that tangy, spicy sauce and cool, creamy dressing—and turns it into a hearty, fork-friendly salad. It’s a crowd-pleaser in the truest sense, beloved by adults for its bold flavor and by kids (just go easy on the hot sauce for them!) for its familiar, creamy texture. Simple ingredients, warm memories, all in one bowl.

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Ingredients List

Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad comes together with a handful of straightforward ingredients, most of which you might already have in your pantry or fridge. The beauty is in the balance: creamy, crunchy, spicy, and cool.

• For the Pasta & Chicken:

  • 12 oz short pasta, like rotini, penne, or fusilli
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (a rotisserie chicken is perfect here)
  • 1 cup diced celery (about 3 stalks)
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese or feta (optional, but recommended)

• For the Creamy Buffalo Dressing:

  • 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or light sour cream
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/3 cup Buffalo-style hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Smart Swaps & Dietary Notes:

• Pasta: Use whole wheat, chickpea, or lentil pasta for extra fiber and protein. Gluten-free pasta works beautifully.
• Chicken: Leftover grilled chicken, baked chicken breast, or even canned chicken (drained well) are all great shortcuts. For a different twist, try my Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta for another chicken and pasta combo.
• Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free yogurt and mayonnaise. Skip the blue cheese or use a vegan alternative.
• Extra Veggies: Feel free to stir in a handful of baby spinach at the end for a pop of color and nutrients, similar to the approach in my Strawberry Spinach Salad Chicken.

Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (less if using pre-cooked chicken!)
• Cook Time: 10 minutes (for pasta)
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Chill Time (Recommended): At least 1 hour for flavors to meld.

This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is about 30% faster than many cold salads because there’s no need to roast vegetables or make a complicated dressing. It’s truly a dump-and-stir situation once your pasta is cooked.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this salad is as easy as it gets. The key is in the dressing and letting everything get acquainted in the fridge.

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your chosen pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This ensures your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad stays perfectly textured and doesn’t become mushy.
2. Make the Dressing: While the pasta cooks, whisk together all the dressing ingredients—Greek yogurt, mayo, Buffalo sauce, lemon juice, and spices—in a large mixing bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning. Remember, the flavor will mellow slightly once mixed with the pasta and chicken.
3. Combine: To the same bowl with the dressing, add the cooled pasta, shredded chicken, diced celery, and red onion. Gently fold everything together until evenly coated.
4. Chill & Serve: For the best flavor, cover and refrigerate your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad for at least one hour. Just before serving, fold in the crumbled blue cheese. This keeps it from dissolving into the dressing.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (approximately 1.5 cups):

• Calories: ~380
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 15g

This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is a fantastic source of lean protein from the chicken and Greek yogurt, making it a genuinely satisfying healthy high protein meal. The celery adds a nice crunch and fiber, while the yogurt-based dressing cuts calories and adds tang without sacrificing creaminess.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need any fancy tools for this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad. A regular kitchen will have everything:

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Colander
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Airtight container for storage

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser: It’s the first dish to disappear at potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings. It combines beloved flavors in a new, shareable format.
• Meal Prep Hero: This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeks.
• Customizable Heat: You control the spice level. Start with less hot sauce and add more to taste, making it kid-friendly or fiery for adults.
• Uses Simple, Real Ingredients: No strange additives or processed shortcuts. Just real food that tastes like home.
• Versatile Serving: Enjoy it as a main dish salad, a hearty side next to grilled meats, or even stuffed in a wrap for lunch on the go.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad is already a lighter take, but here are easy swaps to fit any dietary need:

• Higher Protein: Use chickpea or lentil pasta and add an extra half-cup of shredded chicken.
• Lower Carb: Swap the traditional pasta for cooked, riced cauliflower or a low-carb pasta alternative.
• Dairy-Free: As mentioned, use plant-based yogurt and mayo, and omit the cheese.
• Extra Veggie-Packed: Stir in a cup of finely chopped broccoli florets, shredded carrots, or bell peppers along with the celery.
• Lighter Dressing: Use all Greek yogurt and skip the mayonnaise for a tangier, even lighter sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is incredibly versatile. Here’s how to serve your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad:

• As a Main Dish: Scoop a generous portion into a bowl with a side of carrot sticks, celery sticks, and extra blue cheese dressing for dipping.
• Potluck Style: Transfer to a large, beautiful serving bowl and garnish with extra chopped celery leaves, a drizzle of hot sauce, and a sprinkle of blue cheese.
• In a Wrap or Lettuce Cup: For a handheld meal, spoon it into a large tortilla or crisp butter lettuce leaves.
• Alongside: It pairs wonderfully with simple grilled foods like burgers, hot dogs, or veggie kebabs. For another creamy, chicken-based dish perfect for a crowd, try my White Chicken Chili.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using Hot, Freshly Cooked Pasta: Always rinse your pasta under cold water after draining. Adding hot pasta to the dressing will make it soggy and can cause the mayo/yogurt to separate.
• Overlooking the Chill Time: While you can eat it right away, the magic happens in the fridge. The hour of chilling allows the pasta to soak up the dressing and all the flavors to marry beautifully.
• Not Seasoning the Dressing to Taste: Buffalo sauces and yogurts vary in saltiness and tang. Always taste your dressing before mixing and adjust with salt, pepper, or an extra squeeze of lemon.
• Adding the Cheese Too Early: If using blue cheese, fold it in just before serving. Adding it too early can cause it to melt into the dressing, losing its distinctive crumbly texture and sharp pockets of flavor.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

• Refrigeration: Store your Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for 3-4 days.
• Make-Ahead: This is an ideal make-ahead dish. Prepare it up to a day in advance, store it covered in the fridge, and simply give it a good stir before serving.
• Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this salad, as the dairy-based dressing and pasta can become grainy and watery upon thawing.
• Reviving Leftovers: If the salad seems a little dry after a day or two, a small splash of milk or a teaspoon of lemon juice mixed in can help loosen it up.

Conclusion

This Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad truly is the ultimate creamy and spicy potluck hit. It’s the kind of recipe that solves problems: what to bring to a party, what to make for easy lunches, how to please a crowd with minimal effort. It delivers all the comfort and flavor we crave in a format that’s practical, protein-packed, and downright delicious.

I hope this recipe finds its way into your regular rotation and becomes a new favorite. It’s comfort food, made easy. Regular kitchen, regular time, great results. If you give this Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below or share your creation with me on Pinterest by tagging @HarmonyMeal.

And if you’re a fan of cold pasta salads, be sure to check out my other favorites like this bright Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad or this classic Tuna Pasta Salad Peas. Food that feels like home is always just a recipe away.

FAQs about Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad

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